Anti-Lock Brakes Bennington VT

Local resource for anti-lock brakes in Bennington, VT. Provides detailed information on local anti-lock brake suppliers, as well as on companies in your area offering auto services and which give access to anti-lock braking systems (ABS), Controller Anti-lock Brakes, wheel sensors and anti-lock brake sensor replacement but also anti-lock brake diagnostics and services.

The Design and Function of Antilock Braking Systems

By Tom Torbjornsen

Most passenger vehicles are coming out with, otherwise known as anti-lock brakes. Let's take a look at their design and function. ABS uses wheel-speed sensors, a hydraulic control unit, and a computerized electronic-control module, which is the "brain" of the system. When the brake pedal is applied, the electronic-control module monitors the speed of the wheels through the wheel-speed sensors. If the control module detects that one or more wheels are about to lock up, the module signals the hydraulic unit to control hydraulic pressure to that wheel(s). This varying of pressure is much like "pumping" the brake, but with the ABS system, the wheel that is locking up (causing a potential loss of control) is the only one being controlled. The rest of the wheels are free to roll. This maximizes vehicle steer-ability.

Aside from the addition of these components, the braking system pretty much remains the same in design and operation. Replacement of friction materials, such as brake shoes and pads, is the same. As with any new product, "bugs" or "gremlins" usually show up in the form of little nuisances during the first few years. In the case of ABS brakes, it is the annoying little dash light that comes on and says either "Brake" or "Antilock" or "ABS." "The brakes work fine but the light is on," you say. Vehicle manufacturers are well aware of this and, as we speak, are working on a solution to this annoying problem. It seems that when moisture and road salt find their way into the wiring harness -- either through cracked wire insulation or worn or loose electrical plugs, the light will be tripped because of high resistance sensed by the system. They are working on a way to waterproof the wiring harnesses effectively. In the meantime, all the computer knows is that it senses a problem in the system and must alert the driver via the dash light.

Am I saying to ignore the ABS warning light? Absolutely not! We're talking about safety here! Get it checked out! Traveling down a steep grade at 65 mph, coming up on the back of a loaded gasoline tanker truck is not the time to find out that your brakes don't work!

Here are a few things to look for if you've never used anti-lock brakes:

When the pedal is applied and ABS is activated, the pedal may feel harder than usual. This is normal.

The pedal may seem to ratchet or pulsate (vibrate) or there could be a combination of these sensations. This is also normal.

Finally, you may hear a noise that sounds like a motorboat engine. This is the hydraulic control unit operating -- again normal.

Remember two important things when driving a car with ABS brakes:

Maintain the same safe stopping distance from the vehicle ahead as with conventional brakes. ABS will not make the vehicle "stop on a dime."

Do not pump the brake. Just apply firm, constant pressure and let ABS do the work. You may feel a slight vibration or hear noise as the hydraulic control ...

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